As United States Senator, Claire wants our government to play an active role in working to solve the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In facilitating the peace process, it is absolutely critical that we respect Israeli security concerns, and its sovereign right to protect itself from those who wish its destruction.
Claire fully supports Israel's June 2005 historic withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The withdrawal decision represents the first time Israel has ever committed itself to withdrawing from a settlement without a signed peace treaty. Such action reaffirms Israel's willingness to take substantial risks for peace.
In addition, Claire supports a more active role for our nation in stopping Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which continues to defy the international community. Iran's efforts to develop atomic arms pose grave risks to U.S. interests in the Middle East, threatening international peace and security. We need to hold Iran's current leadership accountable for its threatening behavior and support Iran's transition to democracy. Claire favors the Iran Freedom Support Act, which would tighten sanctions on foreign companies that invest in Iran's energy sector, and aid Iran's pro-democracy forces.
Claire is concerned about the escalating violence in the current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, but supports the right of Israel to protect its borders. After nearly a decade of living in peace, Hezbollah has hijacked the lives of those living in Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon in an unprovoked terrorist attack in which two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and eight soldiers were killed. Israel could no longer sit idly by as Syria and Iran helped Islamic fundamentalist terrorists stockpile thousands of rockets aimed at Israeli schools and hospitals. Along with the peace loving people of Israel, Lebanon and the entire region, Claire mourns the loss of every innocent life taken in this conflict.
There was a time when America would have been able to work quickly with our international allies to restore peace to the region. Yet, the current administration's alienation of once close allies has left us weakened in the face of continued global terrorism. Any ceasefire must ensure that Hezbollah is prevented from regrouping, rebuilding and restocking, securing a true lasting peace in the region.
We must continue our economic, diplomatic and military relationship with Israel. The strong support of our nation is vital to secure a settlement with Palestinian leaders to ensure Israel's existence. Israel's ability to survive in a hostile region rests, in part, on the strength of its economy and the strength of its military. Claire supports continued economic aid, military-industrial partnerships, and a free flow of tourism to sustain the nation's prosperity. If necessary, the United States should increase its financial aid for Israel, and continue to share military technology and resources, including missile defense systems and joint- training exercises.
The fates of our nations are inextricably linked, through our shared values of democracy and economic opportunity, as well as our mutual war on terrorism. Every American should be deeply sensitive to the value of this relationship. As senator, Claire is committed to ensuring that relationship survives and grows.
